18/05/2025

ON SUNDAY MAY 18, 2025 theSunday Special VII

Instead of focusing on food from other countries, why not promote our own? This is my way of giving back to society.”

Alan Yun

Among Limapulo’s must-try dishes are the signature N yonya Laksa, Petai Prawns, Ayam Berempah and Gerang Asam (Asam Pedas). Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with lunchtime drawing in the biggest crowds. 'LQHUV ORYH WKH DXWKHQWLFLW\ DQG D̆ RUG ability of the food, making every meal feel like a home-cooked delight. Looking ahead, Yun plans to expand Limapulo by opening more branches in Malaysia and neighbouring countries, such as Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore. The restaurant has already proven its appeal abroad, having successfully hosted a spe cial pop-up in New York City. In addition to its expansion plans, Yun is developing Limapulo’s signature sambal as a ready-to eat condiment, which will soon be available

in department stores and online. While Limapulo remains his top priority, Yun has no intention of leaving his acting and modelling career behind. His 2019 action drama film Kill-Fist is now streaming RQ 1HWÀL[ DQG KH KDV UHFHQWO\ ODQGHG D major international brand campaign. Still passionate about acting, he remains open to compelling scripts and opportunities. “Instead of focusing on food from other countries, why not promote our own? This is my way of giving back to society. Baba Nyonya is a fusion of two cultures, a beauti ful representation of what it means to be Malaysian. Limapulo is not just for the Chinese – it’s a place where people of all races can come together, enjoy great IRRG DQG VHW DVLGH WKHLU GL̆ HUHQFHV ´

Preserving rich culinary culture through the Baba Can Cook initiative.

Yun aims to preserve this rich culinary culture through the Baba Can Cook initia tive. This initiative, which he started with the goal of educating the younger generation about Nyonya cuisine and ensuring that uncle John’s legacy lives RQ KDV EHHQ PDNLQJ VLJQL¿FDQW VWULGHV He is committed to offering authentic 1\RQ\D IRRG DW D̆ RUGDEOH SULFHV GHVSLWH the labour-intensive preparation involved. There are no shortcuts in Limapulo’s kitchen; for example, each dish is paired ZLWK D VSHFL¿F VDPEDO UDWKHU WKDQ XVLQJ D generic one. The restaurant takes pride in using no MSG, ensuring every meal has a home-cooked feel. “It’s hard to believe that we struggled to survive the pandemic just a few years ago. It hit us hard at Limapulo, we had WR OHW JR RI VWD̆ DQG ZHUH ODWH WR MRLQ WKH IRRG GHOLYHU\ WUHQG :KHQ ZH ¿QDOO\ GLG LW WRRN WLPH IRU FXVWRPHUV WR ¿QG XV RQOLQH 7KDW ZDV D GL̇ FXOW SHULRG %XW DIWHU WKH storm came the rainbow, being selected as one of the best Peranakan restaurants in Malaysia. It’s a title money can’t buy, as the selection process is rigorous. I wasn’t even aware we were being considered, Michelin’s ‘secret diner’ judges based purely on the food and overall experience,” says Yun.

Nyonya food at affordable prices